DISPLAY DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a display device and
an electronic apparatus.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, as a display device which is represented
by a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence
display device (hereinafter, simply abbreviated as "organic
EL display device") using an organic electroluminescence
element (hereinafter, simply abbreviated as "organic EL
element") is attracting attention. The organic EL display
device is of a self-luminous type, and has a characteristic
of low power consumption. It is considered that the organic
EL display has sufficient responsiveness to a high-definition
and high-speed video signal, and the development for practical
use and commercialization are closely proceeding.
The organic EL display device has a plurality of
light-emitting elements each of which includes a
light-emitting unit ELP and a driving circuit for driving the
light-emitting unit ELP. For example, Fig. 23A is an
equivalent circuit diagram of the light-emitting element which
includes the driving circuit having two transistors and one
capacitive unit (for example, see JP-A-2007-310311) . The
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driving circuit has a drive transistor TDr„ which includes
source/drain regions, a channel forming region, and a gate
electrode, a video signal write transistor Ts,g which includes
source/drain regions, a channel forming region, and a gate
electrode, and a capacitive unit C1. Reference numeral CEL
represents parasitic capacitance of the light-emitting unit
C1.
In the drive transistor TDrv, one region of the
source/drain regions is connected to a current supply line CSL,
and the other region of the source/drain regions is connected
to the light-emitting unit ELP and also connected to one end
of the capacitive unit C1 to constitute a second node ND2. The
gate electrode of the drive transistor TDrV is connected to the
other region of the source/drain regions of the video signal
write transistor Tsig and also connected to the other end of
the capacitive unit C1 to constitute a first node ND1.
In the video signal write transistor Tslg, one region of
the source/drain regions is connected to a data line DTL, and
the gate electrode is connected to a scanning line SCL.
The current supply line CSL is connected to the current
supply unit 100, the data line DTL is connected to the video
signal output circuit 102, and the scanning line SCL is
connected to the scanning circuit 101. At the time of light
emission of the light-emitting unit ELP (that is, before and
after light emission of the light-emitting unit ELP), a current
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flows from the current supply unit 100 to the light-emitting
unit ELP through the current supply line CSL and the drive
transistor TDrV, and the potential of the anode electrode
(corresponding to the second node ND2) of the light-emitting
unit ELP rises until the operation point corresponding to the
current value is reached.
SUMMARY
On the other hand, when a driving circuit having an
n-channel drive transistor TDro is formed within a p-type well
provided in the silicon semiconductor substrate, for stable
operation, a configuration in which the p-type well is at a
constant potential, for example, the p-type well is grounded
is considered. In other words, when the drive transistor TDrv
is regarded as a 4-terminal transistor, a configuration in
which a back gate terminal is grounded is considered. However,
when this configuration is used, the following problems may
occur. That is, at the time of light emission of the
light-emitting unit ELP using this driving circuit, as
described above, the potential of the second node ND2 rises.
Incidentally, since there is no change in the potential of the
p-type well, the potential Vbs between the p-type well and the
source region of the drive transistor TDr„ rises, and a current
Ids which flows in the drive transistor TDrv decreases due to
a so-called back gate effect. As a result, luminance of the
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light-emitting unit ELP becomes lower than desired luminance.
Accordingly, in order to solve this phenomenon, it is necessary
to increase the value of a signal which is output from the video
signal output circuit 102 in prospect of the back gate effect,
causing a problem in that power consumption of the organic EL
display device increases. When the light-emitting unit ELP
is deteriorated, as shown in a schematic view of Fig. 23B, the
I-V characteristic of the light-emitting unit ELP is
deteriorated. Accordingly, in order that the same current as
before deterioration flows in the light-emitting unit ELP, it
is necessary to further increase the potential of the anode
electrode. Incidentally, when the potential of the anode
electrode (corresponding to the second node ND2) is further
increased, the same problem as described above occurs due to
the back gate effect.
It is therefore desirable to provide a display device
having a configuration or structure which is capable of
suppressing the occurrence of the back gate effect, and an
electronic apparatus including the display device.
An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to
a display device including a plurality of light-emitting
elements, each. light-emitting element having a light-emitting
unit and a driving circuit for driving the light-emitting unit.
The driving circuit at least includes (A) a drive transistor
having source/drain regions, a channel forming region, and a
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gate electrode, (B) a video signal write transistor having
source/drain regions, a channel forming region, and a gate
electrode, and (C) a capacitive unit. In the drive transistor,
(A-1) one region of the source/drain regions is connected to
the corresponding current supply line, (A-2) the other region
of the source/drain regions is connected to the light-emitting
unit and connected to one end of the capacitive unit, and forms
a second node, and (A-3) the gate electrode is connected to
the other region of the source/drain regions of the video signal
write transistor and connected to the other end of the
capacitive unit, and forms a first node. In the video signal
write transistor, (B-1) one region of the source/drain regions
is connected to the corresponding data line, and (B-2) the gate
electrode is connected to the corresponding scanning line.
The drive transistor is formed within a first conduction-type
second well which is formed within a second conduction-type
first well in a first conduction-type silicon semiconductor
substrate, the video signal write transistor is formed in the
first conduction-type silicon semiconductor substrate, and
the other region of the source/drain regions of the drive
transistor and the second well are electrically connected
together.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed
to an electronic apparatus including the above-described
display device according to the embodiment of the present
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disclosure.
In the display device according to the embodiment of the
present disclosure or the display device of the electronic
apparatus according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the other region of the source/drain regions of
the drive transistor and the second well are electrically
connected together. For this reason, when the potential of
the other region of the source/drain regions of the drive
transistor rises or the voltage increases, the potential of
the second well also rises or the voltage increases.
Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the
back gate effect (also referred to as a substrate bias effect) ,
to attain stable operation of the driving circuit, and to
suppress an increase in power consumption of the display device
or the electronic apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a schematic partial sectional view of a
light-emitting element including a driving circuit in a display
device of Example 1 or a display device of an electronic
apparatus.
Figs. 2A and 2B are respectively schematic partial
sectional views of an extracted portion of a drive transistor
and a video signal write transistor which constitute a driving
circuit in a display device of Examples 1 and 2 or a display
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device of an electronic apparatus.
Fig. 3 is a schematic partial sectional view of a
light-emitting element including a modification of a driving
circuit in a display device of Example 1 or a display device
of an electronic apparatus.
Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a circuit which
constitutes a display device of Example 3 or a display device
of an electronic apparatus.
Fig. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a 5Tr/1C
driving circuit of Example 3.
Fig. 6 is a schematic driving timing chart of a 5Tr/1C
driving circuit of Example 3.
Figs. 7A to 7D are diagrams schematically showing the
on/off state and the like of each transistor which constitutes
a 5Tr/1C driving circuit of Example 3.
Figs. 8A to BE are diagrams, subsequent to Fig. 7D,
schematically showing the on/off state and the like of each
transistor which constitute a 5Tr/1C driving circuit of Example
3.
Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a circuit which
constitutes a display device of Example 4 or a display device
of an electronic apparatus.
Fig. 10 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a 4Tr/1C
driving circuit of Example 4.
Fig. 11 is a schematic driving timing chart of a 4Tr/1C
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driving circuit of Example 4.
Figs. 12A to 12D are diagrams schematically showing the
on/off state and the like of each transistor which constitutes
a 4Tr/1C driving circuit of Example 4.
Figs. 13A to 13D are diagrams, subsequent to Fig. 12D,
schematically showing the on/off state and the like of each
transistor which constitutes a 4Tr/1C driving circuit of
Example 4.
Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a circuit which
constitutes a display device of Example 5 or a display device
of an electronic apparatus.
Fig. 15 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a 3Tr/lC
driving circuit of Example 5.
Fig. 16 is a schematic driving timing chart of a 3Tr/1C
driving circuit of Example 5.
Figs. 17A to 17D are diagrams schematically showing the
on/off state and the like of each transistor which constitutes
a 3Tr/1C driving circuit of Example S.
Figs. 18A to 18E are diagrams, subsequent to Fig. 17D,
schematically showing the on/off state and the like of each
transistor which constitutes a 3Tr/1C driving circuit of
Example 5.
Fig. 19 is a conceptual diagram of a circuit which
constitutes a display device of Examples 1 and 6 or a display
device of an electronic apparatus.
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Fig. 20 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a 2Tr/1C
driving circuit of Examples 1 and 6.
Fig. 21 is a schematic driving timing chart of a 2Tr/1C
driving circuit of Examples 1 and 6.
Figs. 22A to 22F are diagrams schematically showing the
on/off state and the like of each transistor which constitutes
a 2Tr/1C driving circuit of Examples 1 and 6.
Fig. 23A is a circuit diagram of a driving circuit of
an existing organic EL display device, and Fig. 23B is a diagram
schematically showing deterioration in the I-V characteristic
of a light-emitting unit when the light-emitting unit is
deteriorated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although the present disclosure will be hereinafter
described in connection with examples with reference to the
drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples,
and various numerical values or materials in the examples are
for illustration. The description will be provided in the
following sequence.
1. Overall description of display device according to
embodiment of present. disclosure and electronic apparatus
2. Example 1 (display device according to embodiment of
present disclosure and electronic apparatus)
3. Example 2 (Modification of Example 1)
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4. Example 3 (Another modification of Example 1. 5Tr/1C
driving circuit)
5. Example 4 (Another modification of Example 1. 4Tr/lC
driving circuit)
6. Example 5 (Another modification of Example 1. 3Tr/1C
driving circuit)
7. Example 6 (Another modification of Example 1. 2Tr/1C
driving circuit) and others
[Overall description of display device according to embodiment
of present disclosure and electronic apparatus]
In a display device according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure or a display device of an electronic
apparatus, a form in which a video signal write transistor is
formed within a first conduction-type third well which is
formed in a first conduction-type silicon semiconductor
substrate, and a third well is at the same potential in all
of the light-emitting elements can be made. In the display
device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure
or the display device of the electronic apparatus including
this form, a form in which the first well is electrically
isolated in each light-emitting element can be made..
Although a p type is used as a first conduction type and
an n type is used as a second conduction type, the form is not
limited to this. The first conduction type may be the n type
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and the second conduction type may be the p type.
In the display device according to the embodiment of the
present disclosure or the display device of the electronic
apparatus, current supply lines are connected to a current
supply unit; data lines are connected to a video signal output
circuit, and scanning lines are connected to a scanning circuit.
The current supply unit, the video signal output circuit, and
the scanning circuit are normally included in the display
device.
The driving circuit may be, for example, a driving
circuit (referred to as "2Tr/lC driving circuit") having two
transistors (drive transistor and video signal write
transistor) and one capacitive unit, a driving circuit
(referred to as "3Tr/lC driving circuit") having three
transistors (drive transistor, video signal write transistor,
and one transistor) and one capacitive unit, a driving circuit
(referred to as "4Tr/lC driving circuit") having four
transistors (drive transistor, video signal write transistor,
and two transistors) and one capacitive unit, or a driving
circuit (referred to as "5Tr/lC driving circuit") having five
transistors (drive transistor, video signal write transistor,
and three transistors) and one capacitive unit. Specifically,
the light-emitting unit may have an organic
electroluminescence light-emitting unit (organic EL
light-emitting unit) The other of the source/drain regions
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of the drive transistor and a second well are electrically
connected together. Specifically, for example, a connection
region of a first conduction type is provided in the surface
region of the second well, the connection and the other region
of the source/drain regions of the drive transistor are brought
into contact with each other directly or through a conductive
material layer. Alternatively, the connection region and the
other region of the source/drain regions of the drive
transistor may be electrically connected together through a
contact hole, a wiring, and the like.
The display device according to the embodiments of the
present disclosure or the display device of the electronic
apparatus may have a configuration in which so-called
monochrome display is performed or a configuration in which
one pixel has a plurality of subpixels, specifically, one pixel
has three subpixels of a red light-emitting subpixel, a green
light-emitting subpixel, and a blue light-emitting subpixel.
Each pixel may have a set of subpixels including these three
kinds of subpixels and one kind of subpixel or a plurality of
kinds of subpixels (for example, one set of subpixels including
a subpixel which emits white light for improving luminance,
one set of subpixels including a subpixel which emits
complementary color light for expanding the color reproduction
range, one set of subpixels including a subpixel which emits
yellow light for expanding the color reproduction range, or
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one set of subpixels including subpixels which emit yellow and
cyan light for expanding the color reproduction range).
In the display device according to the embodiments of
the present disclosure or the display device of the electronic
'apparatus, various circuits, such as the current supply unit,
the video signal output circuit, and the scanning circuits,
various wirings, such as the current supply lines, the data
lines, and the scanning lines, and the configuration or
structure of the light-emitting unit may be the known
configuration or structure. Specifically, for example, the
light-emitting unit which is constituted by an organic EL
light-emitting unit may have, for example, an anode electrode,
an organic material layer (for example, having a structure in
which a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, and an
electron transport layer are laminated), a cathode electrode,
and the like. The capacitive unit which constitutes the
driving circuit may have one electrode, the other electrode,
and a dielectric layer (insulating layer) interposed between
these electrodes. The transistor and the capacitive unit
which constitute the driving circuit are formed in a silicon
semiconductor substrate, and the light-emitting unit is formed
above the transistor and the capacitive unit constituting the
driving circuit through an insulating interlayer, for example.
The other of the source/drain regions of the drive transistor
is connected to the anode electrode of the light-emitting unit
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through a contact hole, for example.
[Example 1]
Example 1 relates to the display device according to the
embodiment of the present disclosure and the electronic
apparatus, and specifically, to an organic EL display device
and an electronic apparatus including the organic EL display
device. Hereinafter, the display device of each example and
the display device of the electronic apparatus are collectively
and simply referred to as "display device of example". Fig.
1 is a schematic partial sectional view of a light-emitting
element including a driving circuit in the display device of
Example 1. Fig. 2A is a schematic partial sectional view of
an extracted portion of a drive transistor and a video signal
write transistor which constitute the driving circuit. Fig.
20 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the light-emitting
element including the driving circuit in the display device
of Example 1 (an example in which the driving circuit is a
driving circuit (2Tr/1C driving circuit) having two
transistors TDrv and Ts g and one capacitive unit C1) . Fig. 19
is a conceptual diagram of a circuit which constitutes the
display device. In the schematic partial sectional view of
Fig. 1, for simplification of the drawing, a sectional view
of the display device taken along a different vertical virtual
plane is also included.
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The display device of Example 1 is a display device which
has a plurality of light-emitting elements 1. Each of the
light-emitting elements 1 includes a light-emitting unit
(specifically, organic EL light-emitting unit) ELP and a
driving circuit for driving the light-emitting unit ELP.
The display device has NxM pixels arranged in a
two-dimensional matrix. One pixel has three subpixels (a red
light-emitting subpixel which emits red light, a green
light-emitting subpixel which emits green light, and a blue
light-emitting subpixel which emits blue light).
As shown in the conceptual diagram of the circuit of Fig.
19, the display device of Example 1 includes (a) a current
supply unit 100, (b) a scanning circuit 101, (c) a video signal
output circuit 102, (d) NxM light-emitting elements 1 in total
of N light-emitting elements 1 in a first direction and M
light-emitting elements 1 in a second direction (specifically,
a direction perpendicular to the first direction) different
from the first direction arranged in a two-dimensional matrix,
(e) M current supply lines CSL which are connected to the
current supply unit 100 and extend in the first direction, (f)
M scanning lines SCL which are connected to the scanning circuit
101 and extend in the first direction, and (g) N data lines
DTL which are connected to the video signal output circuit 102
and extend in the second direction. Although in Fig. 19, 3x3
light-emitting elements 1 are shown, this is merely for
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illustration. The current supply unit 100 or the scanning
circuit 101 may be arranged at one end of the scanning line
SCL or may be arranged at both ends.
The driving circuit at least includes (A) a drive
transistor TDrVhaving source/drain regions, a channel forming
region, and a gate electrode, (B) a video signal write
transistor Tslghaving source/drain regions, a channel forming
region, and a gate electrode, and (C) a capacitive unit C1.
Specifically, the drive transistor Tor„ and the video signal
write transistor Tsig are MOSFETs.
In the drive transistor TDrV, (A-1) one region 24 of the
source/drain regions is connected to the corresponding current
supply line CSL, (A-2) the other region 25 of the source/drain
regions is connected to the light-emitting unit ELP and
connected to one end of the capacitive unit C1, and forms a
second node ND2, and (A-3) a gate electrode 21 is connected
to the other region 35 of the source/drain regions of the video
signal write transistor Tsig and connected to the other end of
the capacitive unit C1, and forms a first node ND1.
In the video signal write transistor Tslg, (B-1) one
region 34 of the source/drain regions is connected to the
corresponding data.line DTL, and (B-2) a gate electrode 31 is
connected to the corresponding scanning line SCL.
The capacitive unit C1 (in Fig. 1, indicated by an
encircled portion) has one electrode 41, the other electrode
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42, and a dielectric layer (insulating layer) 43 interposed
between these electrodes 41 and 42. In the drive transistor
TDro, one region of the source/drain regions (in this example,
specifically, a source/drain region which functions as a drain
region 24 at the time of light emission of the light-emitting
unit. The same applies to the following description) is
connected to the current supply unit 100. The other of the
source/drain regions (in this example, specifically, a
source/drain region which functions as a source region 25 at
the time of light emission of the light-emitting unit. The
same applies to the following description) is connected to an
anode electrode 51 of the light-emitting unit (organic EL
light-emitting unit) ELP and connected to the other electrode
42 of the capacitive unit C1. The gate electrode 21 is
connected to the other region of the source/drain regions (In
this example, specifically, a source/drain region which
functions as a source region 35 at the time of video signal
writing. The same applies to the following description) of
the video signal write transistor Ts g and connected to the one
electrode 41 of the capacitive unit C1, and forms a first node
ND1. In the video signal write transistor Tsig, one region of
the source/drain regions (in this example, specifically, at
the time of video signal writing, the source/drain region
functioning as a drain region 34. The same applies to the
following description) is connected to the data line DTL, and
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the gate electrode 31 is connected to the scanning line SCL.
Note that reference numeral 15 represents an isolation region,
reference numerals 22 and 32 represent gate insulating layers,
and reference numerals 23 and 33 represent gate sidewall.
The drain region 24 of the drive transistor Torv is
connected to the current supply unit 100 through a contact hole,
a contact pad 70, and the current supply line CSL. The drain
region 34 of the video signal write transistor Ts g is connected
to the video signal output circuit 102 through another contact
hole, another contact pad 70, and the data line DTL. The gate
electrode 31 of the video signal write transistor Tsg is
connected to the scanning circuit 101 through another contact
hole, another contact pact 70, and the scanning line SCL. The
other electrode 42 of the capacitive unit C1 is connected to
the anode electrode 51 of the light-emitting unit ELP through
another contact hole and another contact pad 70. The contact
hole and the contact pad 70 are provided so as to be not
short-circuited with the scanning line SCL or the current
supply line CSL extending in the first direction. Fig. l shows
this state.
The drive transistor Tor„ is formed within a first
conduction-type (p-type) second well 12 which is formed within
a second conduction-type (in this example, specifically,
n-type) first well 11 formed in a first conduction-type (in
this example, specifically, p-type) silicon semiconductor
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substrate 10. The video signal write transistor Ts g is formed
within a first conduction-type (p-type) third well 13 which
is formed in the first conduction-type (p-type) silicon
semiconductor substrate 10. The other region (source region
25) of the source/drain regions of the drive transistor TDrV
and the second well 12 are electrically connected together.
Specifically, a connection region 26 of a first conduction type
(p+) is formed in the surface region of the second well 12.
The connection region 26 and the other region 25 of the
source/drain regions of the drive transistor TD,„ are
electrically connected through a contact hole 71, a wiring,
and the like (specifically, the other electrode 42 of the
capacitive unit C1).
The third well 13 is at the same potential in all of the
light-emitting elements. Specifically, the third well 13 is
at a first predetermined potential (for example, ground
potential) through the silicon semiconductor substrate 10.
The first well 11 is electrically isolated in each
light-emitting element 1. Specifically, the drive transistor
TDrV which constitutes each light-emitting element 1 is
surrounded by an isolation region 15, and the first well 11
is surrounded by a p-type semiconductor layer which is
constituted by the p-type silicon semiconductor substrate 10.
The first well 11 functions as a guard ring with respect to
the second well 12. The first well 11 is a second predetermined
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potential (for example, a power supply potential) through a
wiring (not shown).
As shown in Fig. 3 which is a schematic partial sectional
view of a light-emitting element including a modification of
a driving circuit in the display device of Example 1. A well
(fourth well 14) of a first conduction type (p type) which is
the same as the third well 13 may be formed in a region of the
silicon semiconductor substrate 10 where the drive transistor
TDr„ is to be formed simultaneously with the formation of the
third well 13, and the first well 11 and the second well 12
may be provided within the first conduction type (p-type)
fourth well 14.
Alternatively, in other words, the display device of
Example 1 has a plurality of light-emitting elements, each
light-emitting element having a light-emitting unit and a
driving circuit for driving the light-emitting unit. The
driving circuit at least includes a light-emitting unit ELP,
a capacitive unit C1, a video signal write transistor Ts g which
is constituted by a MOSFET and holds a driving signal (luminance
signal) Vsg in the capacitive unit C1, and a drive transistor
Toro which is constituted by a MOSFET and drives the
light-emitting unit ELP on the basis of the driving signal
(luminance signal) Vsig held in the capacitive unit C1. The
drive transistor Toro is formed within a first conduction-type
second well 12 which is formed within a second conduction-type
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first well 11 formed in a first conduction-type silicon
semiconductor substrate 10, the video signal write transistor
Tsig is formed in the first conduction-type silicon
semiconductor substrate 10, and the other region of the
source/drain regions of the drive transistor Toro and the second
well 12 are electrically connected together.
The drive transistor TDr„ and the video signal write
transistor Tsgprovided in the silicon semiconductor substrate
10 are covered with an insulating interlayer 61. The other
electrode 42 and the dielectric layer (insulating layer) 43
of the capacitive unit C1 are formed on the insulating
interlayer 61, and one electrode 41 of the capacitive unit C1
is formed on the dielectric layer (insulating layer) 43. An
insulating interlayer 62 is formed on the dielectric layer
(insulating layer) 43 and one electrode 41 of the capacitive
unit C1, and a scanning line SCL is formed on the insulating
interlayer 62. An insulating interlayer 63 is formed on the
insulating interlayer 62 and the scanning line SCL, and a data
line DTL is formed on the insulating interlayer 63. An
insulating interlayer 64 is formed on the insulating interlayer
63 and the data line DTL, and a current supply line CSL is formed
on the insulating interlaye.r 64. An insulating interlayer 65
is formed on the insulating interlayer 64 and the current supply
line CSL, and an anode electrode 51 constituting the
light-emitting unit ELP is formed on the insulating interlayer
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65. An insulating interlayer 66 having an opening with the
anode electrode 51 exposed at the bottom thereof is formed on
the insulating interlayer 65 and the anode electrode 51, a hole
transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electronic
transport layer (an organic material layer 52 having a
laminated structure of these layers), and a cathode electrode
53 constituting the light-emitting unit ELP are formed on the
insulating interlayer 66 and the anode electrode 51, and an
insulating layer 67 is formed on the cathode electrode 53. A
glass plate (not shown) is bonded onto the insulating layer
67 through an adhesive layer (not shown). In some cases, it
is not necessary to perform patterning of the organic material
layer 52 and the cathode electrode 53. The lamination sequence
of the scanning line SCL, the data line DTL, and the current
supply line CSL is not limited to the above-described
lamination sequence, and is intrinsically arbitrary.
The light-emitting element 1 described above may be
manufactured by a known method, and various materials which
are used when manufacturing the light-emitting element 1 may
be known materials.
The operation of the driving circuit of Example 1 will
be described in Example 6 described below.
In the display device of Example 1, since the other region
of the source/drain regions of the drive transistor
constituting the driving circuit and the second well are
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electrically connected together, when the potential of the
other region of the source/drain regions of the drive
transistor rises or the voltage increases, the potential of
the second well also rises or the voltage increases.
Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the
back gate effect, to attain stable operation of the driving
circuit, and to suppress an increase in power consumption of
the display device. Although in the related art technique,
it is necessary to sequence a wide signal dynamic range of the
driving signal (luminance signal) Vsig for controlling
luminance in the light-emitting unit ELP described below, in
the driving circuit according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure, it becomes possible to set a narrow signal dynamic
range and to suppress a charge/discharge current of the data
line, thereby contributing to low power consumption of the
display device. Since the other region of the source/drain
regions of the drive transistor and the second well are
electrically connected together, when the light-emitting unit
ELP is deteriorated, the I-V characteristic of the
light-emitting unit ELP is deteriorated. Therefore, even when
the potential of the, anode electrode is higher, no problems
occur.
[Example 2]
Example 2 is a modification of Example 1. Fig. 2B is
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a schematic partial sectional view of an extracted portion of
a drive transistor and a video signal write transistor which
constitute a driving circuit in a display device of Example
2. In Example 2, as in Example 1, a connection region 26 of
a first conduction type (p+) is provided in the surface region
of the second well 12. A difference from Example 1 is that
a conductive material layer 27 (specifically, metal silicide
layer) is formed on the surfaces of the connection region 26
and the source region 25. With this configuration, it is
possible to reliably electrically connect the other region
(source region 25) of the source/drain regions of the drive
transistor TDrV and the second well together.
Specifically, the conductive material layer 27 can be
formed by a SALICIDE (Self-ALlgned SiliCIDE) process. That
is, after the formation of the gate insulating layer 22 of the
drive transistor TDrv, the formation of the gate electrode 21,
ion implantation for forming an LDD structure, the formation
of a gate sidewall 23, the formation of the source/drain regions
24 and 25 based on ion implantation, and the formation of the
connection region 26 based on the ion implantation, a metal
layer (for example, cobalt layer) is formed on the entire
surface. Thermal treatment is performed, and silicon atoms
in the silicon semiconductor substrate 10 react with metal
atoms in the metal layer to form a metal silicide layer. Thus,
the conductive material layer 27 is formed. At this time, a
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metal silicide layer may be formed on the top surface of the
gate electrode 21. Thereafter, the metal layer which does not
react with silicon atoms is removed, and the metal silicide
layer is annealed to stabilize the metal silicide layer. In
this way, it is possible to obtain the conductive material layer
27 which reliably electrically connect the other region (source
region 25) of the source/drain regions of the drive transistor
TDrv and the second well together.
[Example 3]
In Example 3 or Examples 4 to 6 described below, the.
operation of the driving circuit according to the embodiment
of the present disclosure is performed. The outline of a method
of driving a driving circuit in Example 3 or Examples 4 to 6
described below is as follows, for example. That is, the method
of driving a driving circuit includes the steps of (a)
performing a preprocess for applying a first node
initialization voltage to the first node ND1 and applying a
second node initialization voltage to the second node ND2 such
that the potential difference between the first node ND1 and
the second node ND2 exceeds the threshold voltage Vth of the
drive transistor TDro, and the potential difference between the
second node ND2 and the cathode electrode of the light-emitting
unit ELP does not exceed the threshold voltage Vth-EL of the
light-emitting unit ELP, (b) setting the potential of the drain
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region of the drive transistor Tory, to be higher than the
potential of the second node ND2 in the step (a) in a state
where the potential of the first node ND1 is held to increase
the potential of the second node ND2 and performing a threshold
voltage cancel process for bringing the potential difference
between the first node ND1 and the second node ND2 close to the
threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor Tory, (c)
performing a write process for applying a video signal voltage
from the data line DTL to the first node ND1 through the video
signal write transistor Tsig which becomes the on state in
response to a signal from the scanning line SCL and placing
the drive transistor Torv in the on state, (d) placing the video
signal write transistor Tslg in the off state in response to
a signal from the scanning line SCL to place the first node
ND1 in the floating state, and (e) allowing a current based
on the value of the potential difference between the first node
ND1 and the second node ND2 to flow into the light-emitting unit
ELP from the current supply unit 100 through the drive
transistor TDr„ to drive the light-emitting unit ELP.
As described above, in the step (b), the threshold
voltage cancel process is performed in which the potential
difference between the first node and the second node is brought
close to the threshold voltage of the drive transistor.
Qualitatively, in the threshold voltage cancel process, how
much the potential difference between the first node ND1 and
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the second node ND2 (in other words, the potential difference
Vgs between the gate electrode 22 and the source region 25 of
the drive transistor Tors) is brought close to the threshold
voltage Vth of the drive transistor TDrV depends on the time of
the threshold 'voltage cancel process. Accordingly, for
example, in a form in which a sufficient time for the threshold
voltage cancel process is secured, the potential difference
between the first node ND1 and the second node ND2 reaches the
threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor TDrV, and the drive
transistor TDrV is placed in the off state. In a form in which
the time of the threshold voltage cancel process just has to
be set to be short, the potential difference between the first
node NDl and the second node ND2 is greater than the threshold
voltage Vth of the drive transistor TDrV, and the drive
transistor TDrV may not be placed in the off state. As a result
of the threshold voltage cancel process, it is not necessary
that the drive transistor TDrv is placed in the off state.
It is assumed that the light-emitting elements which
constitute each pixel are line-sequentially driven, and a
display frame rate is FR (times/second) That is, the
light-emitting elements which constitute each of N pixels (3xN
subpixels) arranged in the m-th (where m=l, 2, 3, ..., and M)
row are driven simultaneously. In other words, in each of the
light-emitting elements which constitute one row, the
light-emission/non-light-emission timing is controlled in
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terms of rows to which these light-emitting elements belong.
A process for writing a video signal to each pixel constituting
one row may be a process (simultaneous write process) for
writing a video signal to all pixels simultaneously, or a
process (sequential write process) for sequentially writing
a video signal to each pixel. These write processes may be
appropriately selected in accordance with the configuration
of the light-emitting element or the driving circuit.
Hereinafter, the driving or operation of a
light-emitting element which constitutes one subpixel in a
pixel in the m-th row and the n-th column (where n=1, 2, 3,
and N) will be described. A relevant subpixel or
light-emitting element is hereinafter referred to as the
(n,m)th subpixel or the (n,m)th light-emitting element.
Various processes (a threshold voltage cancel process, a write
process, and a mobility correction process described below)
are performed until the horizontal scanning period (the m-th
horizontal scanning period) of each light-emitting element
arranged in the m-th row ends. It is necessary that the write
process or the mobility correction process is performed within
the m-th horizontal scanning period. The threshold voltage
cancel process or the associated preprocess may be performed
ahead of the m-th horizontal scanning period depending on the
type of light-emitting element or driving circuit.
After various processes described above end, the
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light-emitting unit which constitute each light-emitting
element arranged in the m-th row emits light. The
light-emitting unit may emit light immediately or when a
predetermined period (for example, horizontal scanning
periods for a predetermined number of rows) elapses after
various processes described above end. The predetermined
period may be appropriately set in accordance with the
specification of the display device, the configuration of the
light-emitting element or the driving circuit, or the like.
In the following description, for convenience of description,
it is assumed that the light-emitting unit emits light
immediately after various processes end. Light emission of
the light-emitting unit which constitutes each light-emitting
element arranged in the m-th row continues immediately before
the start of the horizontal scanning period of each
light-emitting element arranged in the (m+m')th row. "m' " is
determined the design specification of the display device.
That is, light emission of the light-emitting unit which
constitutes each light-emitting element arranged in the m-th
row in a certain display frame continues up to the (m+m'-l)th
horizontal scanning period. The light-emitting unit which
constitutes each light-emitting element arranged in the m-th
row is maintained in the non-light-emission state from the
beginning of the (m+m') th horizontal scanning period until the
write process or the mobility correction process is completed
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within the m-th horizontal scanning period in the next display
frame. If the period (hereinafter, simply referred to as a
non-light-emission period) of the above-described
non-light-emission state is provided, afterimage blurring due
to active matrix driving can be reduced, and excellent motion
image quality can be obtained. The light-emission
state/non-light-emission state of each subpixel
(light-emitting element) is not limited to the state described
above. The time length of the horizontal scanning period is
the time length smaller than (1/FR)x(1/M). When the value of
(m+m') exceeds M, the horizontal scanning period for the excess
is processed in the next display frame.
In the following description, of the two source/drain
regions of one transistor, the term "one region of the
source/drain regions" means the source/drain region which is
connected to the current supply unit or a power supply unit.
When a transistor is in the on state, this means a state where
a channel is formed between the source/drain regions. It does
not matter whether a current flows from one region of the
source/drain regions of a certain transistor to the other
region of the source/drain regions. When a transistor is in
the off state, this means a state where a channel is not formed
between the source/drain regions. When the source/drain
regions of a certain transistor are connected to the
source/drain regions of another transistor, this includes a
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form in which the source/drain regions of the certain
transistor and the source/drain regions of another transistor
occupy the same region. The source/drain regions maybe formed
of a conductive material, such as polysilicon or amorphous
silicon containing an impurity, or may be formed of metal, alloy,
conductive particles, a laminated structure thereof, or a layer
made of an organic material (conductive polymer) . In a timing
chart which is used in the following description, the length
(time length) of the horizontal axis which represents each
period is schematically shown, and is not intended to represent
the ratio of the time length of each period.
Specifically, the driving circuit of Example 3 is a
driving circuit (5Tr/1C driving circuit) having five
transistors and one capacitive unit C1. Fig. 4 is a conceptual
diagram of a circuit which constitutes the display device of
Example 3. Fig. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a 5Tr/1C
driving circuit. Fig. 6 is a schematic driving timing chart.
Figs. 7A to 7D and 8A to BE schematically show the on/off state
and the like of each transistor. In Figs. 7A to 7D, 8A to BE,
and 12A to 12D, 13A to 13D, 17A to 17D, 18A to 18E, and 22A
to 22F described below, electrical connection of the other
region of the source/drain regions of the drive transistor and
the second well is not shown.
The 5Tr/1C driving circuit has five transistors of the
video signal write transistor Tsig and the drive transistor TDrv
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described in Example 1 or 2, a light-emission control
transistor TELL, a first node initialization transistor TND1,
a second node initialization transistor TND2 , and one capacitive
unit C1.
[Light-emission control transistor TELCI
One of the source/drain regions of the light-emission
control transistor TEL C is connected to the current supply unit
(voltage Vcc) 100, and the other region of the source/drain
regions of the light-emission control transistor TELL is
connected to one region of the source/drain regions of the drive
transistor TDrV. The on/off operation of the light-emission
control transistor TEL C is controlled by a light-emission
control transistor control line CLELC connected to the gate
electrode of the light-emission control transistor TELL.
[Drive transistor TDrvl
As described above, one region of the source/drain
regions of the drive transistor TDrv is connected to the other
region of the source/drain regions of the light-emission
control transistor TEL c. That is, the drive transistor TDrv is
connected to the current supply unit 100 through the
light-emission control transistor TELL. The other of the
source/drain regions of the drive transistor TDEV is connected
to (1) the anode electrode of the light-emitting unit ELP, (2)
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the other region of the source/drain regions of the second node
initialization transistor TNDZ, and (3) one electrode of the
capacitive unit C1, and forms a second node ND2. The gate
electrode of the drive transistor TDrv is connected to (1) the
other region of the source/drain regions of the video signal
write transistor Tsig, (2) the other region of the source/drain
regions of the first node initialization transistor TND1, and
(3) the other electrode of the capacitive unit C1r and forms
a first node ND1.
In the light-emission state of the light-emitting unit
ELP, the drive transistor TDrV is driven such that a drain
current Ids flows in accordance with Expression (1) In the
light-emission state of the light-emitting unit ELP, one region
of the source/drain regions of the drive transistor TDrv
operates as a drain region, and the other region of the
source/drain regions operates as a source region. As
described in Example 1, hereinafter, one region of the
source/drain regions of the drive transistor TDrv is simply
referred to as a drain region, and the other region of the
source/drain regions is simply referred to as a source region.
p: effective mobility
L: channel length
W: channel width
Vgs: potential difference between gate electrode and
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source region
Vth: threshold voltage
Co.: (relative dielectric constant of gate insulating
layer)x(dielectric constant of vacuum) /(thickness of gate
insulating 'layer)
k-_ (1/2), (W/L) -Cox
Ids=k•μ• (Vgs-Vth) 2 ... (1)
If the drain current Ids flows in the light-emitting unit
ELP, the light-emitting unit ELP emits light. The
light-emission state (luminance) of the light-emitting unit
ELP is controlled depending on the magnitude of the value of
the drain current Ids.
[Video signal write transistor Tsg]
As described in Example 1, the other region of the
source/drain regions of the video signal write transistor Tgig
is connected to the gate electrode of the drive transistor TDrV.
One of the source/drain regions of the video signal write
transistor Tsig is connected to the data line DTL. A driving
signal (luminance signal) Vsgfor controlling luminance of the
light-emitting unit ELP is supplied from the video signal
output circuit 102 to one region of the source/drain regions
through the data line DTL. Various signals/voltages (a signal
for precharge driving, various reference voltages, and the
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like) other than Vsig may be supplied to one region of the
source/drain regions through the data line DTL. The on/off
operation of the video signal write transistor Tsig is
controlled by the scanning line SCL connected to the gate
electrode of the video signal write transistor Tsig•
[First node initialization transistor TND11
As described above, the other region of the source/drain
regions of the first node initialization transistor TND1 is
connected to the gate electrode of the drive transistor TDrV.
A voltage VOfs for initializing the potential of the first node
ND1 (that is, the potential of the gate electrode of the drive
transistor TDrv) is supplied to one region of the source/drain
regions of the first node initialization transistor TND1. The
on/off operation of the first node initialization transistor
TND1 is controlled by a first node initialization transistor
control line AZpD1 connected to the gate electrode of the first
node initialization transistor TND1. The first node
initialization transistor control line AZND1 is connected to
a first node initialization transistor control circuit 104.
[Second node initialization transistor TND21
As described above, the other region of the source/drain
regions of the second node initialization transistor TND2 is
connected to the source region of the drive transistor TDrV.
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A voltage Vs5 for initializing the potential of the second node
ND2 (that is, the potential of the source region of the drive
transistor TDrV) is supplied to one region of the source/drain
regions of the second node initialization transistor TND2. The
-on/off operation of the second node initialization transistor
TND2 is controlled by a second node initialization transistor
control line AZND2 connected to the gate electrode of the second
node initialization transistor TND2. The second node
initialization transistor control line AZND2 is connected to
a second node initialization transistor control circuit 105.
[Light-emitting unit ELP]
As described above, the anode electrode of the
light-emitting unit ELP is connected to the source region of
the drive transistor TDr,,. A voltage Vcat is applied to the
cathode electrode of the light-emitting unit ELP. The
parasitic capacitance of the light-emitting unit ELP is
represented by reference numeral CEL. It is assumed that a
threshold voltage which is required for light emission of the
light-emitting unit ELP is Vth_EL. That is, if a voltage equal
to or higher than Vth_EL is applied between the anode electrode
and the cathode electrode of the light-emitting unit ELP, the
light-emitting unit ELP emits light.
Although in the following description, the values of the
voltages or potentials are as follows, these values are just
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for illustration, and the voltages or potentials are not
limited to these values.
Vsfg: driving signal (luminance signal) for controlling
luminance of light-emitting unit ELP ... 0 volt to 10 volt
Vcc: voltage of current supply unit for controlling light
emission of light-emitting unit ELP ... 20 volt
Vofs: voltage for initializing potential of gate
electrode of drive transistor TDrv (potential of first node ND1)
0 volt
Vss: voltage for initializing potential of source region
of drive transistor TDrv (potential of second node ND2) ... -10
volt
Vth: threshold voltage of drive transistor TDrv ... 3 volt
Vcat: voltage applied to cathode electrode of
light-emitting unit ELP ... 0 volt
Vth-EL: threshold voltage of light-emitting unit ELP ... 3
volt
Hereinafter, the operation of the 5Tr/1C driving circuit
will be described. As described above, although a case where
the light-emission state starts immediately after various
processes (threshold voltage cancel process, write process,
and mobility correction process) are completed will be
described, the form is not limited to this. The same applies
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to a 4Tr/1C driving circuit, a 3Tr/1C driving circuit, and a
2Tr/1C driving circuit described below.
[Period-TP(5)_1] (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7A)
[Period-TP(5)_1] is, for example, the operation in the
previous display frame, and the period in which the (n,m)th
light-emitting unit ELP is in the light-emission state after
various previous processes are completed. That is, a drain
current I'ds based on Expression (5) flows in the light-emitting
unit ELP which constitutes the (n,m)th subpixel, and luminance
of the light-emitting unit ELP which constitutes the (n,m)th
subpixel has a value corresponding to the relevant drain
current I'ds. The video signal write transistor Tsig, the first
node initialization transistor TND1, and the second node
initialization transistor TND2 are in the off state, and the
light-emission control transistor TELc and the drive
transistor TDrv are in the on state. The light-emission state
of the (n,m)th light-emitting unit ELP continues immediately
before the start of the horizontal scanning period of the
light-emitting unit ELP arranged in the (m+m')th row.
[Period-TP(5)0] to [Period-TP(5)4] shown in Fig. 6 are
the operation period from when the light-emission state ends
after various previous processes are completed immediately
before the next write process is performed. That is,
[Period-TP(5)0] to [Period-TP(5)4] is the period of a certain
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time length from the start of the (m+m' ) th horizontal scanning
period in the previous display frame until the end of the
(m-1) th horizontal scanning period in the current display frame.
[Period-TP(5)1] to [Period-TP(5)4] may be included within the
m-th horizontal scanning period in the current display frame.
In [Period-TP(5)0] to [Period-TP(5)4], the (n,m)th
light-emitting unit ELP is in the non-light-emission state.
That is, in [Period-TP(5)0] to [Period-TP(5)1] and
[Period-TP(5)3] to [Period-TP(5)4], since the light-emission
control transistor TEL_c is in the off state, the light-emitting
unit ELP does not emit light. In [Period-TP(5)2], the
light-emission control transistor TEL c is placed in the on state.
However, in this period, a threshold voltage cancel process
described below is performed. Although the threshold voltage
cancel process will be described below in detail, if it is
assumed that Expression (2) is satisfied, the light-emitting
unit ELP does not emit light.
Hereinafter, each period of [Period-TP(5)0] to
[Period-TP(5)4] will be first described. Note that the length
of the beginning of [Period-TP(5)1] or each period of
[Period-TP(5)1] to [Period-TP(5)4] may be appropriately set in
accordance with design for a display device.
[Period-TP(5)0]
As described above, in [Period-TP(5)0], the (n,m)th
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light-emitting unit ELP is in the non-light-emission state.
The video signal write transistor Tsig, the first node
initialization transistor TND1, and the second node
initialization transistor TND2 are in the off state. At the
time of change from [Period-TP (5) _1] to [Period-TP(5)'o], since
the light-emission control transistor TELL is placed in the
off state, the potential of the second node ND2 (the source
region of the drive transistor TD„v or the anode electrode of
the light-emitting unit ELP) drops down to (Vth_EL+Vcat), and the
light-emitting unit ELP is placed in the non-light-emission
state. In order to follow the potential drop of the second
node ND2, the potential of the first node ND1 (the gate electrode
of the drive transistor TDIV)in the floating state also drops.
[Period-TP(5)1] (see Figs. 7B and 7C)
In [Period-TP(5)1], a preprocess for performing a
threshold voltage cancel process described below is performed.
That is, at the time of the start of [Period-TP(5)1], if the
first node initialization transistor control line AZND1 and the
second node initialization transistor control line AZND2 are
at high level on the basis of the operation of the first node
initialization transistor control circuit 104 and the second
node initialization transistor control circuit 105, the first
node initialization transistor TND1 and the second node
initialization transistor TND2 are placed in the on state. As
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a result, the potential of the first node ND1 becomes VOfs (for
example, 0 volt) . The potential of the second node ND2 becomes
Vss (for example, -10 volt). Before [Period-TP(5)1] is
completed, if the second node initialization transistor
control line AZND2 is at low level on the basis of the operation
of the second node initialization transistor control circuit
15, the second node initialization transistor TND2 is placed
in the off state. The first node initialization transistor
TND1 and the second node initialization transistor TND2 may be
placed in the on state simultaneously, the first node
initialization transistor TND1 may be placed in the on state
ahead, or the second node initialization transistor TND2 may
be placed in the on state ahead.
With the above-described process, the potential
difference between the gate electrode and the source region
of the drive transistor TDrV is equal to or greater than Vth,
and the drive transistor TDrv becomes the on state.
[Period-TP(5)2] (see Fig. 7D)
Next, the threshold voltage cancel process is performed.
That is, if the light-emission control transistor control line
CLELC is at high level on the basis of the operation of a
light-emission control transistor control circuit 103 while
the first node initialization transistor TND1 is maintained in
the on state, the light-emission control transistor TELC is
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placed in the on state. As a result, while the potential of
the first node ND1 is not changed (maintained at Vofs=O volt),
the potential of the second node NDZ in the floating state rises,
and the potential difference between the first node ND1 and
the second node ND2 is brought close to the threshold voltage
Vth of the drive transistor Tor,,. If the potential difference
between the gate electrode and the source region of the drive
transistor TDr„ reaches Vth, the drive transistor Tory is placed
in the off state. Specifically, the potential of the second
node ND2 in the floating state is brought close to (Vofs-Vth=-3
volt>Vss) , and finally becomes (Vofs-Vth) . If Expression (2) is
assured, in other words, if the potential is selected and
determined so as to satisfy Expression (2), the light-emitting
unit ELP does not emit light. Qualitatively, in the threshold
voltage cancel process, how much the potential difference
between the first node ND1 and the second node ND2 (in other
words, the potential difference between the gate electrode and
the source region of the drive transistor Tory) is brought close
to the threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor Tor„ depends
on the time of the threshold voltage cancel process.
Accordingly, for example, when a sufficient time for the
threshold voltage cancel process is secured, the potential
difference between the first node ND1 and the second node ND2
reaches the threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor Tory,
and the drive transistor TDrV is placed in the off state. For
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example, when the time of the threshold voltage cancel process
is set to be short, the potential difference between the first
node ND1 and the second node ND2 is greater than the threshold
voltage Vth of the drive transistor TDrv, and the drive
transistor TDrV may not be placed in the off state. That is,
as a result of the threshold voltage cancel process, it is not
necessary that the drive transistor TDrV is placed in the off
state.
(VOfs-Vth) < (Vth-EL+VCat) ... (2)
In [Period-TP(5)2], the potential of the second node ND2
finally becomes, for example, (Vofs-Vth)• That is, the
potential of the second node ND2 is determined depending on
only the threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor TD,, and
the voltage Vofs for initializing the gate electrode of the drive
transistor TDrv. In other words, the potential of the second
node ND2 does not depend on the threshold voltage Vth_EL of the
light-emitting unit ELP.
[Period-TP(5)3] (see Fig. 8A)
Thereafter, if the light-emission control transistor
control line CLELc is at low level on the basis of the operation
of the light-emission control transistor control circuit 103
while the first node initialization transistor TND1 is
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maintained in the on state, the light-emission control
transistor TEL_c is placed in the off state. As a result, the
potential of the first node NDl is not changed (maintained at
Vofs=O volt), and the potential of the second node ND2 in the
floating state is not also,changed and held at (Vofs-Vth=-3
volt).
[Period-TP(5)4] (see Fig. 8B)
Next, if the first node initialization transistor
control line AZND1 is at low level on the basis of the operation
of the first node initialization transistor control circuit
104, the first node initialization transistor TND1 is placed
in the off state. The potentials of the first node ND, and the
second node ND2 are not substantially changed (actually, a
change in the potential occurs due to electrostatic coupling,
such as parasitic capacitance, but this change is normally
negligible).
Next, each period of [Period-TP(5)5] to [Period-TP(5)7]
will be described. As described below, a write process is
performed in [Period-TP(5)5], and a mobility correction
process is performed in [Period-TP(5)6] As described above,
it is necessary that these processes are performed within the
m-th horizontal scanning period. For convenience of
description, description will be provided assuming that the
beginning of [Period-TP(5)5] and the end of [Period-TP(5)6]
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respectively match the beginning and end of the m-th horizontal
scanning period.
[Period-TP(5)5] (see Fig. 8C)
Thereafter, the write process to the drive transistor
Tory is performed. Specifically, while the first node
initialization transistor TND1, the second node initialization
transistor TND2, and the light-emission control transistor TELC
are maintained in the off state, if the potential of the data
line DTL is set as the driving signal (luminance signal) Vsg
for controlling luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP on
the basis of the operation of the video signal output circuit
102, and then the scanning line SCE is at high level on the
basis of the operation of the scanning circuit 101, the video
signal write transistor Tsig is placed in the on state. As a
result, the potential of the first node ND1 rises to Vslg.
The capacitance of the capacitive unit C1 has a value
c1, and the capacitance of parasitic capacitance CEL of the
light-emitting unit ELP has a value CEL. It is assumed that
the value of parasitic capacitance between the gate electrode
and the source region of the drive transistor TDrV is cgs. When
the potential of the gate electrode of the drive transistor
TDrv is changed from Vofs to Vsig (>Vofs) , in principle, the
potentials at both ends of the capacitive unit C1 (the
potentials of the first node ND1 and the second node ND2) are
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changed. That is, electric charges based on the change
(VSig-VOfs) in the potential (=the potential of the first node
ND1) of the gate electrode of the drive transistor Tory are
divided into the capacitive unit C1, the parasitic capacitance
CEL of the light-emitting unit ELP, and parasitic capacitance
between the gate electrode and the source region of the drive
transistor Tor,,. Incidentally, if the value cEL is sufficiently
greater than the value cl and the value cgs, a change in the
potential of the source region (second node ND2) of the drive
transistor Tor„ based on the change (Vsig-Vofs) in the potential
of the gate electrode of the drive transistor Torv is small.
In general, the capacitance value cEL of the parasitic
capacitance CEL of the light-emitting unit ELP is greater than
the capacitance value cl of the capacitive unit C1 and the value
cgs of parasitic capacitance of the drive transistor Tory. For
convenience of description, unless particularly required,
description will be provided without taking into consideration
a change in the potential of the second node ND2 due to a change
in the potential of the first node ND1. The same applies to
other driving circuits. The driving timing charge of Fig. 6
is shown without taking into consideration a change in the
potential of the second node ND2 due to a change in the potential
of the first node ND1. When the potential of the gate electrode
of the drive transistor Tory, (first node ND1) is Vg, and the
potential of the source region of the drive transistor Tory
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(second node ND2) is Vs, the value of V. and the value of Vs
are as follows. For this reason, the potential difference
between the first node ND1 and the second node ND2, that is,
the potential difference Vgs between the gate electrode and the
source region of the drive transistor TDrV can be expressed by
Expression (3).
Vg-VSig
Vs-VOfs-Vth
Vgs-VSig- (Vofs-Vth) ... (3)
That is, Vgs which is obtained in the write process to
the drive transistor TDrv depends on only the driving signal
(luminance signal) VSig for controlling luminance of the
light-emitting unit ELP, the threshold voltage Vth of the drive
transistor TDrV, and the voltage Vofs for initializing the gate
electrode of the drive transistor TDrV. Vgs does not depend on
the threshold voltage Vth_EL of the light-emitting unit ELP.
[Period-TP(5)6] (see Fig. 8D)
Thereafter, the potential of the source region of the
drive transistor TDr„ (second node ND2) is corrected on the basis
of the magnitude of mobility p of the drive transistor TDrv
(mobility correction process).
In general, when the drive transistor Tnrv is manufactured
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using a polysilicon thin film transistor or the like, variation
in mobility p is inevitably generated between transistors.
Accordingly, even when the driving signal Vsig of the same value
is applied to the gate electrodes of a plurality of drive
transistors TDrv which are different in mobility μ, there is
a difference between the drain current Ids which flows in the
drive transistor Tor„ having large mobility μ and the drain
current Ids which flows in the drive transistor Torv having small
mobility p. If this difference is generated, screen
uniformity of the display device is damaged.
Accordingly, specifically, if the light-emission
control transistor control line CLELC is at high level on the
basis of the operation of the light-emission control transistor
control circuit 103 while the drive transistor Tor„ is
maintained in the on state, the light-emission control
transistor TELC is placed in the on state. Next, if the
scanning line SCL is at low level on the basis of the operation
of the scanning circuit 101 when a predetermined time (to) has
elapsed, the video signal write transistor Tsg is placed in
the off state, and the first node ND, (the gate electrode of
the drive transistor Tory) is placed in the floating state. As
a result, when the value of mobility p of the drive transistor
Tor„ is large, the amount AV (potential correction value) of
rise in the potential of the source region of the drive
transistor Tor„ increases. When the value of mobility p of the
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drive transistor TDrV is small, the amount 4V (potential
correction value) of rise in the potential of the source region
of the drive transistor TDrv decreases. The potential
difference Vgs between the gate electrode and the source region
of the drive transistor TDro is modified from Expression (3)
to Expression (4).
Vgs-Vsig- (Vofs-Vth) -AV ... (4)
A predetermined time (the full time to of
[Period-TP (5) 61 ) for performing the mobility correction
process may be determined in advance as a design value at the
time of design of the display device. The full time to of
[Period-TP(5)6] is determined such that the potential
(Vofs-Vth+AV) of the source region of the drive transistor TDrV
at this time satisfies Expression (2'). Accordingly, in
[Period-TP(5)6], the light-emitting unit ELP does not emit
light. With the mobility correction process, variation in the
coefficient k(-_(l/2)-(W/L)-Cox) is corrected simultaneously.
(VOfs-Vth+AV) < (Vth-EL+VCat) ... (2' )
[Period-TP(5)7] (see Fig. 8E)
With the above-described operation, the threshold
voltage cancel process, the write process, and the mobility
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correction process are completed. On the other hand, if the
scanning line SCL is at low level on the basis of the operation
of the scanning circuit 101, as a result, the video signal write
transistor Ts i g is placed in the off state, and the first node
ND1, that is, the gate electrode of the drive transistor TDrV
is placed in the floating state. The light-emission control
transistor TEL-c is maintained in the on state, and the drain
region of the light-emission control transistor TELL is
connected to the current supply unit 100 (the voltage Vcc, for
example, 20 volt) for controlling light emission of the
light-emitting unit ELP. As a result, the potential of the
second node ND2 rises.
As described above, since the gate electrode of the drive
transistor TDr„ is in the floating state, and the capacitive
unit C1 is provided, the gate electrode of the drive transistor
TDrV undergoes the same phenomenon as in a so-called bootstrap
circuit, and the potential of the first node ND1 also rises.
As a result, the potential difference Vgs between the gate
electrode and the source region of the drive transistor Toro
is held at the value of Expression (4).
Since the potential of the second node ND2 rises and
exceeds (Vth-EL+VCat) , the light-emitting unit ELP start to emit
light. At this time, since a current which flows in the
light-emitting unit ELP is the drain current Ids which flows
from the drain region to the source region of the drive
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transistor TDro, this current can be expressed by Expression
(1). From Expressions (1) and (4), Expression (1) may be
modified to Expression (5).
Ids=k'p' (Vsig-Vofs-AV) 2 ... (5)
Accordingly, when Vofs is set to 0 volt, the current Ids
which flows in the light-emitting unit ELP is in proportion
to the square of a value obtained by subtracting the potential
correction value AV of the second node ND2 (the source region
of the drive transistor Torv) due to mobility p of the drive
transistor Tor„ from the value of the driving signal (luminance
signal) Vsjg for controlling luminance of the light-emitting
unit ELP. In other words, the current Ids which flows in the
light-emitting unit ELP does not depend on the threshold
voltage Vth_EL of the light-emitting unit ELP and the threshold
voltage Vth of the drive transistor Tory. That is, the
light-emission amount (luminance) of the light-emitting unit
ELP is not affected by the threshold voltage Vth_EL of the
light-emitting unit ELP and the threshold voltage Vth of the
drive transistor TDrV. Luminance of the (n,m)th light-emitting
unit ELP has a value corresponding to the relevant current Ids.
As the drive transistor TDr„ has larger mobility p, the
potential correction value AV increases, such that the value
of Vgs on the left side of Expression (4) decreases.
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Accordingly, in Expression (5), even when the value of mobility
μ is large, the value of (Vsig-Vofs-AV )2 decreases, thereby
correcting the drain current Ids. That is, in the drive
transistor TDrv having different mobility p, if the value of
the driving signal (luminance signal) Vsjg is the same, and the
drain current Ids is substantially the same. As a result, the
current Ids which flows in the light-emitting unit ELP and
controls luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP is
uniformized. That is, variation in luminance of the
light-emitting unit due to variation in mobility μ (also
variation in k) can be corrected.
The light-emission state of the light-emitting unit ELP
continues up to the (m+m'-l)th horizontal scanning period.
This time corresponds to the end of [Period-TP(5)_1].
With the above, the operation of light emission of the
light-emitting unit ELP [the (n,m)th subpixel] is completed.
In [Period-TP(5)7] (see Fig. 8E), if the potential of
the second node ND2 rises and exceeds (Vth_EL+Vcat) , light
emission of the light-emitting unit ELP starts. Meanwhile,
when a back gate effect occurs due to a rise in the potential
of the second node ND2, the current Ids which flows in the drive
transistor TDr„ decreases. Incidentally, in the driving
circuit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure,
since the other region of the source/drain regions of the drive
transistor and the second well are electrically connected
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together, the potential of the second well rises with a rise
in the potential of the second node ND2, and there is no change
in the potential Vbs between the second well and the source
region of the drive transistor.TDrV. Accordingly, there is not
the problem of a decrease in the current Ids flowing in the drive
transistor TD,, due to the back gate effect. The same applies
to Examples 4 to 6 described below.
[Example 4]
Example 4 relates to a 4Tr/1C driving circuit. Fig. 9
is a conceptual diagram of a driving circuit of Example 4. Fig.
10 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a 4Tr/lC driving circuit.
Fig. 11 is a schematic driving timing chart. Figs. 12A to 12D
and 13A to l3D schematically show the on/off state and the like
of each transistor.
In the 4Tr/1C driving circuit, the first node
initialization transistor TND1 is removed from the
above-described 5Tr/1C driving circuit. That is, the 4Tr/1C
driving circuit has four transistors of a video signal write
transistor Ts i g, a drive transistor TDrv, a light-emission
control transistor TEL c, and a second node initialization
transistor.TND2, and one capacitive unit C1.
[Light-emission control transistor TELL]
The configuration of the light-emission control
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transistor TELL is the same as the light-emission control
transistor TEL_c described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit, and
thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
[Drive transistor TDro]
The configuration of the drive transistor TprV is the same
as the drive transistor Torv described in the 5Tr/lC driving
circuit, and thus detailed description thereof will not be
repeated.
[Second node initialization transistor TND21
The configuration of the second node initialization
transistor TND2 is the same as the second node initialization
transistor TND2 described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit, and
thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
[Video signal write transistor Tsig]
The configuration of the video signal write transistor
Tsig is the same as the video signal write transistor Tsig
described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit, and thus detailed
description thereof will not be repeated. While one region
of the source/drain regions of the video signal write
transistor Tsig is connected to the data line DTL, not only the
driving signal (luminance signal) Vsjg for controlling
luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP but also the voltage
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Vofs for initializing the gate electrode of the drive transistor
Tor„ are supplied from the video signal output circuit 102. This
point is different from the operation of the video signal write
transistor Tsg described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit.
Signals/voltages (for example, a signal for precharge driving)
other than Vsig or Vofs may be supplied from the video signal
output circuit 102 to one region of the source/drain regions
through the data line DTL.
[Light-emitting unit ELP]
The configuration of the light-emitting unit ELP is the
same as the light-emitting unit ELP described in the 5Tr/1C
driving circuit, and thus detailed description thereof will
not be repeated.
Hereinafter, the operation of the 4Tr/1C driving circuit
will be described.
[Period-TP(4)_1] (Figs. 11 and 12A)
[Period-TP(4)_1] is, for example, the operation in the
previous display frame and is the same operation as
[Period-TP(5)_1] in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit.
[Period-TP(4)0] to [Period-TP(4)4] shown in Fig. 11 are
the periods corresponding to [Period-TP(5)0] to
[Period-TP(5)4] shown in Fig. 6, and are the operation periods
immediately before the next write process is performed.
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Similarly to the 5Tr/1C driving circuit, in [Period-TP(4)o]
to [Period-TP(4)4], the (n,m)th light-emitting unit ELP is in
the non-light-emission state. The operation of the 4Tr/1C
driving circuit is different from the operation of the 5Tr/1C
driving circuit in that, in addition to [Period-TP(4)5] to
[Period-TP(4)6] shown in Fig. 6, [Period-TP(4)2] to
[Period-TP(4)4] are also included in the m-th horizontal
scanning period. For convenience of description, description
will be provided assuming that the beginning of [Period-TP(4)2]
and the end of [Period-TP(4)6] respectively match the beginning
and end of the m-th horizontal scanning period.
Hereinafter, each period of [Period-TP(4)0] to
[Period=TP(4)4] will be described. As described in the 5Tr/1C
driving circuit, the length of the beginning of [Period-TP(4)1]
or each period of [Period-TP(4)1] to [Period-TP(4)4] may be
appropriately set in accordance with design for the display
device.
[Period-TP(4)0]
[Period-TP(4)0] is, for example, the operation from the
previous display frame to the current display frame, and is
substantially the same operation as [Period-TP(5)0] described
in the 5Tr/lC driving circuit.
[Period-TP(4)1] (see Fig. 12B)
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[Period-TP(4)1] corresponds to [Period-TP(5)1]
described in the 5Tr/lC driving circuit. In [Period-TP(4)11,
a preprocess for performing a threshold voltage cancel process
described below is performed. At the time of the start of
[Period-TP(4)1], if the second node initialization transistor
control line AZND2 is at high level on the basis of the operation
of the second node initialization transistor control circuit
105, the second node initialization transistor TND2 is placed
in the on state. As a result, the potential of the second node
ND2 becomes Vss (for example, -10 volt) . In order to follow
the potential drop of the second node ND2, the potential of
the first node NDI (the gate electrode of the drive transistor
TDrv) in the floating state also drops. Since the potential
of the first node ND1 in [Period-TP(4)1] depends on the
potential (defined in accordance with the value of Vsig in the
previous frame) of the first node NDI in the [Period-TP(4)_1],
the potential of the first node ND1 does not have a constant
value.
[Period-TP(4)2] (see Fig. 12C)
Thereafter, if the potential of the data line DTL is set
to Vofs on the basis of the operation of the video signal output
circuit 102, and the scanning line SCL is at high level on the
basis of the operation of the scanning circuit 101, the video
signal write transistor Tsig is placed in the on state. As a
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result, the potential of the first node ND1 becomes Vofs (for
example, 0 volt) . The potential of the second node ND2 is held
at Vss (for example, -10 volt) . Thereafter, if the second node
initialization transistor control line AZND2 is at low level
on the basis of the operation of the second node initialization
transistor control circuit 105, the second node initialization
transistor TND2 is placed in the off state.
Simultaneously with the start of [Period-TP(4)1] or
halfway of [Period-TP(4)1], the video signal write transistor
Tsig may be placed in the on state.
With the above-described process, the potential
difference between the gate electrode and the source region
of the drive transistor TNrV is equal to or greater than Vth,
and the drive transistor TDrV is placed in the on state.
[Period-TP(4)3] (see Fig. 12D)
Next, the threshold voltage cancel process is performed.
That is, if the light-emission control transistor control line
CLELC is at high level on the basis of the operation of the
light-emission control transistor control circuit 103 while
the video signal write transistor Tsg is maintained in the on
state, the light-emission control transistor TELC is placed
in the on state. As a result, while the potential of the first
node ND1 is not changed (maintained at Vofs=O volt), the
potential of the second node ND2 in the floating state rises,
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and the potential difference between the first node ND1 and
the second node ND2 is brought close to the threshold voltage
Vth of the drive transistor Tor,,. If the potential difference
between the gate electrode and the source region of the drive
transistor TDrV reaches Vth, the drive transistor TDrv is placed
in the off state. Specifically, the potential of the second
node ND2 in the floating state is brought close to (Vofs-Vth=-3
volt) and finally becomes (Vofs-Vth) . If Expression (2) is
assured, in other words, if the potential is selected and
determined so as to satisfy Expression (2), the light-emitting
unit ELP does not emit light.
In [Period-TP(4)3], the potential of the second node ND2
finally becomes, for example, (VOfs-Vth) That is, the
potential of the second node ND2 is determined depending on
only the threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor Tory and
the voltage Vofs for initializing the gate electrode of the drive
transistor TDrV. The potential of the second node ND2 does not
depend on the threshold voltage Vth_EL of the light-emitting unit
ELP:
[Period-TP(4)4] (see Fig. 13A)
Thereafter, if the light-emission control transistor
control line CLELC is at low level on the basis of the operation
of the light-emission control transistor control circuit 103
while the video signal write transistor Tsg is maintained in
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the on state, the light-emission control transistor TELL is
placed in the off state. As a result, the potential of the
first node ND1 is not changed (maintained at Vofs=O volt), and
the potential of the second node ND2 in the floating state is
not substantially changed (actually, a change in the potential
occurs due to electrostatic coupling, such as parasitic
capacitance, but this change is normally negligible) and held
at (Vof5-Vth=-3 volt) .
Next, each period of [Period-TP(4)5] to [Period-TP(4)7]
will be described. These periods are substantially the same
operations as [Period-TP(5)5] to [Period-TP(5)7] described in
the 5Tr/1C driving circuit.
[Period-TP(4)5] (see Fig. 13B)
Next, the write process to the drive transistor TDrv is
performed. Specifically, while the video signal write
transistor Tsi g is maintained in the on state, and the second
node initialization transistor TND2 and the light-emission
control transistor TEL-c are maintained in the off state, the
potential of the data line DTL is switched from Vofs to the
driving signal (luminance signal) Vsg for suppressing
luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP on the basis of the
operation of the video signal output circuit 102. As a result,
the potential of the first node ND1 rises to Vsig. The video
signal write transistor Ts i g is placed in the off state once,
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and while the video signal write transistor Tsig, the second
node initialization transistor TND2, and the light-emission
control transistor TEL_C are maintained in the off state, the
potential of the data line DTL is changed to the driving signal
(luminance signal) Vsig for controlling luminance of the
light-emitting unit ELP on the basis of the operation of the
video signal output circuit 102. Thereafter, if the scanning
line SCL is at high level (that is, by the slowed scanning
signal) while the second node initialization transistor TND2
and the light-emission control transistor TELL are maintained
in the off state, the video signal write transistor Tsig is
placed in the on state.
Accordingly, as described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit,
the value described in Expression (3) can be obtained as the
potential difference between the first node ND, and the second
node ND2, that is, the potential difference Vgs between the gate
electrode and the source region of the drive transistor TDry.
That is, in the 4Tr/1C driving circuit, Vgs which is
obtained in the write process to the drive transistor TDr„
depends on only the driving signal (luminance signal) Vsig for
controlling luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP, the
threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor TDrV, and the
voltage Vofs for initializing the gate electrode of the drive
transistor TDrv. Vgs does not depend on the threshold voltage
Vth-EL of the light-emitting unit ELP.
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[Period-TP(4)6] (see Fig. l3C)
Thereafter, the potential of the source region of the
drive transistor Tor, (the second node ND2) is corrected on the
basis of the magnitude of mobility μ of the drive transistor
Toro is corrected (mobility correction process) . Specifically,
the same operation as [Period-TP(5)6] described in the 5Tr/lC
driving circuit may be performed. A predetermined time (the
full time to of [Period-TP(4)6]) for performing the mobility
correction process may be determined in advance as a design
value at the time of design of the display device.
[Period-TP(4)7] (see Fig. 13D)
With the above-described operation, the threshold
voltage cancel process, the write process, and the mobility
correction process are completed. Since the same process as
[Period-TP(5)7] described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit is
performed, and the potential of the second node ND2 rises and
exceeds (Vth_EL+Vcat) , the light-emitting unit ELP starts to emit
light. At this time, since a current which flows in the
light-emitting unit ELP can be obtained by Expression (5), the
Ids which flows in the light-emitting unit ELP does not depend
on the threshold voltage Vth_EL of the light-emitting unit ELP
and the threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor Tory. That
is, the light-emission amount (luminance) of the
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light-emitting unit ELP is not affected by the threshold
voltage Vth-EL of the light-emitting unit ELP and the threshold
voltage Vth of the drive transistor TDry. It is also possible
to suppress the occurrence of variation in the drain current
Ids due to variation in mobility p of the drive transistor TD V.
The light-emission state of the light-emitting unit ELP
continues up to the (m+m'-1)th horizontal scanning period.
This time corresponds to the end of [Period-TP(4)_1].
With the above, the operation of light emission of the
light-emitting unit ELP [the (n,m)th subpixel] is completed.
[Example 5]
Example 5 relates to a 3Tr/1C driving circuit. Fig. 14
is a conceptual diagram of a driving circuit of Example 5. Fig.
15 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a 3Tr/lC driving circuit.
Fig. 16 is a schematic driving timing chart. Figs. 17A to 17D
and 18A to 18E schematically show the on/off state and the like
of each transistor.
In the 3Tr/1C driving circuit, two transistors of the
first node initialization transistor TND1 and the second node
initialization transistor TND2 are removed from the
above-described 5Tr/1C driving circuit. That is, the 3Tr/1C
driving circuit has three transistors of a video signal write
transistor Tsig, a light-emission control transistor TEL c, and
a drive transistor TDrV, and one capacitive unit C1.
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[Light-emission control transistor TEL C]
The configuration of the light-emission control
transistor TELC is the same as the light-emission control
transistor TELL described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit, and,
thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
[Drive transistor TDrv]
The configuration of the drive transistor TDrv is the same
as the drive transistor TDrv described in the 5Tr/1C driving
circuit, and thus detailed description thereof will not be
repeated.
[Video signal write transistor Tsig]
The configuration of the video signal write transistor
Tsig is the same as the video signal write transistor Tsig
described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit, and thus detailed
description thereof will not be repeated. While one region
of the source/drain regions of the video signal write
transistor Tsig is connected to the data line DTL, not only the
driving signal (luminance signal) Vsig for controlling
luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP but also a voltage
Vofs-x for initializing the gate electrode of the drive
transistor TDrv and a voltage Vofs_L are supplied from the video
signal output circuit 102. This point is different from the
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operation of the video signal write transistor Tsig described
in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit. Signals/voltages (for example,
a signal for precharge driving) other than Vsig or Vofs-x/Vofs-L
may be supplied from the video signal output circuit 102 to
one region of the source/drain regions through the data line
DTL. The values of the voltage Vofs_H and the voltage Vofs-L are,
not limited to, as follows, for example.
Vofs-x=about 30 volt
Vofs_L=about 0 volt
[Relationship between values CEL and C1]
As described below, in the 3Tr/1C driving circuit, it
is necessary to change the potential of the second node ND2
using the data line DTL. In the 5Tr/1C driving circuit or the
4Tr/1C driving circuit described above, description has been
provided assuming that the value CEL is sufficiently greater
than the value cl and the value cgs, and taking into
consideration a change in the potential of the source region
of the drive transistor TDr„ (the second node ND2) based on the
change (Vsjg-Vofs) in the potential of the gate electrode of the
drive transistor TDrV (the same applies to a 2Tr/1C driving
circuit described below) . In the 3Tr/1C driving circuit, for
design, the value cl is set to be greater than other driving
circuits (for example, the value cl is about 1/4 to 1/3 of the
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value CEL) . Accordingly, a change in the potential of the
second node ND2 due to a change in the potential of the first
node ND1 is large compared to other driving circuits. For this
reason, in case of 3Tr/1C, description will be provided taking
into consideration a change in the potential of the second node
ND2 due to a change in the potential of the first node ND1. A
driving timing chart of Fig. 16 is shown taking into
consideration a change in the potential of the second node ND2
due to a change in the potential of the first node ND1.
[Light-emitting unit ELP]
The configuration of the light-emitting unit ELP is the
same as the light-emitting unit ELP described in the 5Tr/1C
driving circuit, and thus detailed description thereof will
not be repeated.
Hereinafter, the operation of the 3Tr/lC driving circuit
will be described.
[Period-TP(3)-1] (see Figs. 16 and 17A)
[Period-TP(3)_1] is, for example, the operation in the
previous display frame, and is substantially the same operation
as [Period-TP(5)_1] described in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit.
[Period-TP(3)0] to [Period-TP(3)4] shown in Fig. 16 are
the period corresponding to [Period-TP(5)0] to [Period-TP(5)4)
shown in Fig. 6, and are the operation periods immediately
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before the next write process is performed. Similarly to the
5Tr/1C driving circuit, in [Period-TP(3)0] to [Period-TP(3)4],
the (n,m)th light-emitting unit ELP is in the
non-light-emission state. As shown in Fig. 16, the operation
of the 3Tr/1C driving circuit is different from the operation
of the 5Tr/1C driving circuit in that, in addition to
[Period-TP(3)5] to [Period-TP(3)6], [Period-TP(3)1] to
[Period-TP(3)4] are also included in the m-th horizontal
scanning period. For convenience of description, description
will be provided assuming that the beginning of [Period-TP(3)1]
and the end of [Period-TP(3)6] respectively match the beginning
and end of the m-th horizontal scanning period.
Hereinafter, each period of [Period-TP(3)0] to
[Period-TP(3)4] will be described. As described in the 5Tr/1C
driving circuit, the length of each period of [Period-TP(3)1]
to [Period-TP(3)4] may be appropriately set in accordance with
design for the display device.
[Period-TP(3)o] (see Fig. 17B)
[Period-TP(3)0] is, for example, the operation from the
previous display frame to the current display frame, and is
substantially the same operation as [Period-TP(5)0] described
in the 5Tr/1C driving circuit.
[Period-TP(3)1] (see Fig. 17C)
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The horizontal scanning period of the m-th row in the
current display frame starts. At the time of the start of
[Period-TP(3)1], if the potential of the data line DTL is set
to the voltage Vofs-x for initializing the gate electrode of the
drive transistor TDrV on the basis of the operation of the video
signal output circuit 102, and then if the scanning line SCL
is at high level on the basis of the operation of the scanning
circuit 101, the video signal write transistor Tsg is placed
in the on state. As a result, the potential of the first node
ND1 becomes VOfs_H. As described above, for design, since the
value cl of the capacitive unit C1 is greater than other driving
circuits, the potential of the source region (the potential
of the second node ND2) rises. Since the potential difference
between both ends of the light-emitting unit ELP exceeds the
threshold voltage Vth-EL, the light-emitting unit ELP is placed
in a conduction state, but the potential of the source region
of the drive transistor TDrv drops directly to (Vth-EL+VCat) again.
During this, although the light-emitting unit ELP can emit
.light, light emission is instantaneous, and there is no problem
for practical use. The gate electrode of the drive transistor
TprV is held at the voltage Vofs-x.
[Period-TP(3)21 (see Fig. 17D)
Thereafter, if the potential of the data line DTL is
changed from the voltage Vofs-x for initializing the gate
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electrode of the-drive transistor TDrv to the voltage VOfS-L on
the basis of the operation of the video signal output circuit
102, the potential of the first node ND1 becomes VOfs_L. With
the potential drop of the first node ND1, the potential of the
second node ND2 also drops. That is, electric charges based
on the change (VOfS-L-VOfs-s) in the potential of the gate
electrode of the drive transistor TDr„ are divided into the
capacitive unit C1, the parasitic capacitance CEL of the
light-emitting unit ELP, and parasitic capacitance between the
gate electrode and the source region of the drive transistor
TDrV. As the assumption of the operation in [Period-TP(3)3]
described below, at the time of the end of [Period-TP(3)2],
it is necessary that the potential of the second node ND2 is
lower than VOfs-L-Vth. The values of VOfs-H and like are set so
as to satisfy the conditions. That is, with the
above-described process, the potential difference between the
gate electrode and the source region of the drive transistor
TOrV is equal to or greater than Vth, and the drive transistor
Tory is placed in the on state.
[Period-TP(3)3] (see Fig. 18A)
Next, the threshold voltage cancel process is performed.
That is, if the light-emission control transistor control line
CLELC is at high level on the basis of the operation of the
light-emission control transistor control circuit 103 while
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the video signal write transistor Tslg is maintained in the on
state, the light-emission control transistor TELC is placed
in the on state. As a result, while the potential of the first
node ND1 is not changed (maintained at Vofs-L=0 volt), the
potential of the second node ND2 in the floating state rises,
and the potential difference between the first node ND1 and
the second node ND2 is brought close to the threshold voltage
Vth of the drive transistor TDrV, If the potential difference
between the gate electrode and the source region of the drive
transistor TDrv reaches Vth, the drive transistor Tory is placed
in the off state. Specifically, the potential of the second
node ND2 in the floating state is brought close to (Vofs-L-Vth=-3
volt) and finally becomes (Vofs-L-Vth). If Expression (2) is
assured, in other words, if the potential is selected and
determined so as to satisfy Expression (2), the light-emitting
unit ELP does not emit light.
In [Period-TP(3)3], the potential of the second node ND2
becomes, for example, (Vofs-L-Vth)• That is, the potential of
the second node ND2 is determined depending on only the
threshold voltage Vth of the drive transistor TDrv and the
voltage VOfs-L for initializing the gate electrode of the drive
transistor TDrv. The potential of the second node ND2 does not
depend on the threshold voltage Vth_EL of the light-emitting unit
ELP.
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[Period-TP(3)4] (see Fig. 18B)
Thereafter, if the light-emission control transistor
control line CLEL c is at low level on the basis of the operation
of the light-emission control transistor control circuit 103
while the video signal write transistor Tsg is maintained in
the on state, the light-emission control transistor TELL is
placed in the off state. As a result, the potential of the
first node ND1 is not changed (maintained at VOfs_L=0 volt) , and
the potential of the second node ND2 in the floating state is
not changed and held at (Vcfs_L-Vth=-3 volt).
Next, each period of [Period-TP(3)5] to [Period-TP(3)7]
will be described. These periods are substantially the same
operations as [Period-TP(5)5] to[Period-TP(5)7] described in
the 5Tr/1C driving circuit.
[Period-TP(3)5] (see Fig. 18C)
Next, the write process to the drive transistor TDr„ is
performed. Specifically, while the video signal write
transistor Tsi9 is maintained in the on state, and the
light-emission control transistor TELL is maintained in the
off state, the potential of the data line DTL is set to the
driving signal (luminance signal) Vsfg for controlling
luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP on the basis of the
operation of the video signal output circuit 102. As a result,
the potential of the first node ND1 rises to Vslg. The video
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signal write transistor Tslg may be placed in the off state once,
and while the video signal write transistor Tsfg and the
light-emission control transistor TELL are maintained in the
off state, the potential of the data line DTL may be changed
to the driving signal (luminance signal) Vslg for controlling
luminance of the light-emitting unit ELP. Thereafter, if the
scanning line SCL is at high level (that is, by the slowed
scanning signal) while the light-emission control transistor
Trl,c is maintained in the off state, the video signal write
transistor Tslg may be placed in the on state.
In [Period-TP(3)5], the potential of the first node ND1
rises from VOfs-L to Vsig. For this reason, if a change in the
potential of the second node ND2 due to a change in the potential
of the first node ND1 is taken into consideration, the potential
of the second node ND1slightly rises. That is, the potential
of the second node ND1 can be expressed by Vofs_L-Vth+a• (Vsig-Vofs-L)
The relationship O